Camp OSTC and Camp OSTC, Jr. Early Deadline Approaching

Does your child like to sing, dance and use their imagination? If so, Camp OSTC (ages 9-14) or Camp OSTC Jr. (ages 5-8, who have completed kindergarten) are perfect for them to utilize their musical theatre talent and have fun at the same time!

Camp OSTC will be offered for two separate three-week sessions - the first from July 3 - 21 and the second from July 31 - August 18. Campers may attend either or both sessions. Not only will campers have fun, but they'll also have the opportunity to work with top quality theatre professionals while they learn performance techniques including acting, voice and dance, as well as technical skills including the design and creation of costumes, sets, and props, to be utilized for a full-scale musical production, which will be performed by the campers on stage at OSTC's professional theatre space located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. A selection of master classes, taught by guest artists, will also be included during each three-week session. Dr. Frederic Scheff, who won rave reviews for his performance as Valjean in Ocean State Theatre Company's critically acclaimed production of Les Misérables, returns as Camp Director for both sessions of this year's Camp OSTC.

Camp OSTC, Jr. will be offered for two separate two-week sessions - the first from July 10 - 21 and the second from August 7 - 18. Campers may attend either or both sessions. The basics of theatre will be learned through games and songs. Each session will focus on a theme (first session - "Ahoy, Matey!;" second session - "Summer Safari"), which will be used throughout the camp. Campers will get a script and be able to share what they have learned at the end of the session with a "Sharetime" open to family and friends. Camp OSTC, Jr. participants will see and experience many of the elements used to create professional theatre and allow them to discover, learn, and be part of the magic. Ocean State Theatre Company is happy to welcome back Melanie Miller, an arts educator and director, who has run programs in North Carolina, Florida and locally. Ms. Miller returns as the Camp Director for both sessions of Camp OSTC, Jr.

Applications are currently being accepted. Those submitting their applications prior to the early registration deadline of April 17 will enjoy a $50 discount per session for Camp OSTC and a $25 discount per session for Camp OSTC, Jr.

"We are thrilled to welcome back both Fredric S. Scheff and Melanie Miller, who have been so popular with the campers from past years," said Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner. "We are also happy to announce that one of this year's campers participating in Camp OSTC and one camper participating in Camp OSTC, Jr. will be chosen to receive scholarships provided by The Keri Anne O'Donnell Memorial Fund."

The Keri Anne O'Donnell Memorial Fund was established to honor the memory of Keri Anne O'Donnell, who loved everything about performing - singing, dancing and acting. In theatrical terms, she was a triple threat. Keri was just 15 years old when she was killed in a car accident. The O'Donnell family feels it is their mission to keep Keri's dreams alive by assisting other youngsters like her - performers who have a passion for a performing art.

Camp OSTC will be held at Ocean State Theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick, RI from July 3 - 21 and July 31 - August 18 and is limited to 30 students ages 9-14 per session. Camp OSTC, Jr. will be held at OSTC's Education Annex located at One Echo Drive in Warwick, RI (adjacent to the theatre) from July 10 - 21 and August 7 - 18 and is limited to 20 children ages 5-8 per session. (Please note: children applying to participate in Camp OSTC, Jr., must be entering the first grade in September 2017.) Spots for both camps will be filled on a first come/first served basis.

Applications are available online by visiting www.OceanStateTheatre.org. For registration information call (401) 921-6800, stop by the box office Monday through Friday from 12 noon - 6:00 pm or Saturday from 12 noon - 4:00 pm, or visit www.OceanStateTheatre.org.

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC) is a professional not-for-profit regional theatre whose mission is to preserve and pass on the tradition of live, professional theatre - including the American musical - and to pursue avenues of enrichment and education for the benefit of the state of Rhode Island and the surrounding region through the theatre arts. OSTC, which re-opened and ran the historic Theatre By The Sea in Matunuck, RI from 2007-2012 and began producing shows in Warwick, RI in 2012, is an IRS designated not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.